Lesson One
Paul’s First Letter to Timothy
A.	TIMOTHY:
•	Timothy was born in Lystra (Acts 16:1-2) and was converted under Paul's ministry during his first visit to Derbe and Lystra (Acts 14:6-22). 
•	He certainly had a special place in the affections of the Apostle Paul.
•	Timothy accompanied Paul into Macedonia and had an active ministry at Berea, Athens, Corinth and Ephesus. 
•	Timothy was martyred under Nerva or Domitian.
B.	PAUL'S FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY:

•	This letter was written by Paul after his first imprisonment and during a period of travel in Macedonia while Timothy was still at Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3). 
•	We cannot be certain of the date, but it could be in the spring of 63 AD.
•	Paul's purpose was to help Timothy in carrying out some difficult assignments. 
•	Timothy is given some definite instruction concerning his work in the church.
•	 A simple outline could be:
1.	Chapters 1 & 2	- Doctrine and Prayer.
2.	Chapters 3 & 4	- Ministry and Apostasy
3.	Chapters 5 & 6	- Pastoral Responsibility.
C.	SALUTATION:
•	I Timothy 1:1-2
•	In the salutation the Apostle Paul identifies himself as the writer and declares his apostolic authority. 
•	Timothy was saved under Paul's ministry, but Paul loved him as he would his own son.
•	The expression "God our Savior" is found only in the Pastoral Epistles. 

D.	THE NEED OF SOUND DOCTRINE: 
•	I Timothy 1:3-7
•	Paul exhorted Timothy to charge the church to teach only sound doctrine. 
•	Sound doctrine will lead to love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and true faith. 
•	There were false teachers who were ambitious and desired to be teachers of the Law. 
•	They did not understand the purpose of the Law.
E.	THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW: 
•	I Timothy 1:8-13
•	Paul declares that the Law is not for the righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient. 
•	He makes a list of men for whom the Law was made.
•	It was Paul's ignorance, which permitted him to find forgiveness. 
•	The purpose of the Law is to bring under judgment the lawless and disobedient.

F. PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S COMING:
•	I Timothy 1:14-16
•	Jesus ministered to the sick and suffering, but the main reason for being born in Bethlehem's manger was to save sinners. 
G.	ONLY ONE ETERNAL GOD:
•	I Timothy 1:17
•	When Paul bursts out in a note of praise because of the fact that he, the chief of sinners, had been saved, he declares that He is the only God. 
•	The only God whom Paul worshipped is eternal, immortal, invisible and full of wisdom.
H.	NEED FOR DISCIPLINE: 
•	I Timothy 1:18-20
•	Paul charges his son in the gospel to put up a good fight. He told Timothy to hold the faith and a good conscience.
•	Hymenaeus and Alexander were blasphemers who opposed sound doctrine. 
•	These men were delivered to Satan not for damnation, but for discipline (I Corinthians 5:5). 
I. EXHORTATION TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE 
•	I Timothy 2:1-8
•	The second chapter continues Paul's exhortation, giving instructions for prayer and worship. 
•	Men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without anger and unbelief.  
•	Jesus, in His humanity, has become our Mediator. Because of this, we know that God will hear and accept our prayer and thanksgiving 

J.WOMEN'S PLACE IN WORSHIP: 
•	I Timothy 2:9-15
•	Timothy was given instruction regarding a godly woman's appearance and manner of dress. 
•	Women who profess godliness do not need adornment. 
•	Not only were the outward appearances to be holy, but the spirit and attitude must be right. 
•	Women are to be in subjection to men. 
•	They must know their proper place and never usurp authority over men.
•	Part of the curse of womanhood was sorrow in childbearing, but there is a promise to those who are faithful that there will be no danger in childbearing.
•	In verse 15, there is a second meaning, which should be considered. 

Lesson One
Self Help Test

A.	Write out a brief history of the life of Timothy.
B.	Write the Scripture in full which clearly states the purpose of Jesus being born into this world.
C.	Explain clearly the meaning of I Timothy 2:15.
D.	How did Paul find mercy even though he had been a blasphemer?
E.	How were Hymenaeus and Alexander disciplined?
F.	Explain the purpose of the Law.